Hirakata (枚方) is a city on the eastern outskirts of Osaka Prefecture, close to the border with Kyoto.
Understand
[edit]
A commuter town of some 400,000 people, Hirakata has few tourist attractions as such. However, being located at the halfway point between Osaka and Kyoto, about 30 min away from each on the Keihan Main Line, it's a convenient base for travel to each.
Tourist information site
[edit]The local Culture and Tourism Association has a Japanese-only guide site.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]The Keihan Main Line between Osaka (Yodoyabashi, Kyobashi; up to 29 min, ¥350) and eastern Kyoto (Demachiyanagi, Sanjo, Gion-Shijo; up to 30 min, ¥370) passes through Hirakata. Services are frequent, with a train every 6 minutes or so, virtually all of which stop at the main 1 Hirakatashi 
(枚方市駅) station.
Alas, the Keihan Main Line is not particularly convenient if you're coming from farther away. From Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai line to Namba, transfer to the Midosuji subway line to Yodoyabashi and board the Keihan there. If arriving by Shinkansen, transfer at Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to the JR Tokaido Main Line to Takatsuki, right across the Yodogawa river, and continue by bus or taxi.
By bus
[edit]Keihan Bus services highway buses to and from Hirakata Station.
- From Kyoto, buses depart from Sanjo Station and Kyoto Station.
Although Hirakata is rather small, there are highway buses that come and go from Tokyo and Tokyo Disney Resort (Urayasu). Buses depart for Hirakata from Shinjuku (¥8600 one way) and Tokyo Disney Resort (¥7900 one way).
Get around
[edit]By bus
[edit]Hirakata has a ¥100 Bus that travels from Hirakata Station to other destinations within the city.
See
[edit],_garan-1.jpg)
- 1 Okami Shrine (意賀美神社). Located atop Mount Mannenji, the shrine grounds are filled with plum blossoms around February and March. The mountain is considered to be one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Hirakata".
- 2 Sada Shrine (蹉跎神社).
- Hoonji temple, 3-4-10 Tanoguchi.
- 3 Ruins of Kudara-dera (百済寺). In 660 AD, the Korean kingdom of Baekje was conquered by the Silla-Tang Alliance and their last king, Uija, was taken to China as a prisoner. However, his son Buyeo Seon'gwang (Zenkō) managed to escape to Japan, where the Japanese emperor recognized him as the King of Baekje (Kudara no Konikishi). The king in exile settled around Hirakata and in 750 AD his grandson founded this temple, whose name is the Japanese reading of "Baekje" (百済). Alas, while the history may be fascinating, the temple burned down in the 12th century and nothing remains but an empty field with some marker posts. Free.
Do
[edit]
- 1 Hirakata Park (Hirapaa) (ひらかたパーク（ひらパー）) (A five minute walk from Hirakata Koen Station on the Keihan train line), ☏ +81 72-844-3475. 10:00-17:00. Hirakata Park is a popular children's amusement park with something to do during every season. There are a variety of rides and attractions open to visitors year-round. They have a Ferris wheel, a few roller coasters, the Giant Drop, and even some wet rides. One unique attraction featured at Hirakata Park are the "adventures". There are a variety of these, and each is a bit different, from shooting laser guns to carrying a crystal ball through a maze. There is also an outdoor water park with an adult pool, children's pool, and several water slides. In the winter time, the pools are converted to ice skating rinks. Entrance to the park costs ¥1300, but every ride and attraction costs additional money. If you plan on doing a lot, pay ¥3600 for an all-day riding pass. Prices change during winter months.
- Yamadaike Park, 1-1 Yamadaikekoen, ☏ +81 72-851-4761. free.
Learn
[edit]Hirakata is home to 1 Kansai Gaidai University (関西外大), a foreign language university. Its East Asian Studies Program has made it one of Japan's most popular universities for foreign students to attend for study abroad, as it has direct relations with many universities throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, as well as some in South America, Africa, and other Asian nations.
Buy
[edit]- Kuzuha Mall (くずはモール). A shopping mall found at the Kuzuha Station on the Keihan Railway.
Eat
[edit]- 1 New Delhi (ニューデリー) (Across the street from the Main Entrance of Kansai Gaidai University). Delicious Indian cuisine with highly affordable lunch specials and huge portions of naan.
- 2 Pekin (北京). A small restaurant serving delicious Chinese dishes. The owner is quite friendly. Regulars are often treated to free gyoza with their meals.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Hirakata has the usual smattering of business hotels near the station.
Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Hirakata Sun Plaza Hotel (ひらかたサンプラザホテル), 11-11 Okahigashi-cho, ☏ +81 728465511. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 10:00. Although it is an expensive hotel by Japanese standards, it is popular among those visiting students who are studying at Kansai Gaidai University. From ¥8700 for a single.
Splurge
[edit]- 2 Candeo Hotels Osaka Hirakata (カンデオホテルズ大阪枚方), 11-11 Okahigashi-cho, ☏ +81 728074390. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Opened 2024, this glass-fronted skyscraper next to Hirakatashi stn is easily the tallest building around. Features Candeo's signature rooftop "Sky Spa" on the 26th floor, with an outdoor rotenburo bath and a sauna. ¥20,000+.
Go next
[edit]| Routes through Hirakata |
| Demachiyanagi ← Tōfukuji ← Yawatashi ← | N  S
|
→ Kyobashi → Nakanoshima |
| Uji ← in to Uji line ← Chushoijma ← | N S
|
→ ↑ |
| END ← | W E
|
→ Kisaichi |
| Kyoto ← Kyotanabe Matsui ← | N  S
|
→ Kadoma into  → Osaka
|